'Strictly' lovebirds Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev dancing on air as they move in together

15 AUGUST 2011

Stunning actress Kara Tointon slips into a wedding dress almost every day. The Strictly Come Dancing champion is starring in her first lead West End role, playing Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion, and in the final scene her character ties the knot.

Unfortunately for the millions of Strictly viewers who were captivated by her unfolding love story with her handsome Russian dance partner Artem Chigvintsev, she insists she is unlikely to be donning a bridal gown for real any time soon.

"No, no," says Kara, as the couple talk exclusively to HELLO!. "I dream of getting married one day, but at the moment we’re just happy being happy. I’m just enjoying having that nice settled feeling."

Just days before our exclusive photoshoot, the couple moved in together, to a luxurious two-bedroom flat in North London.

This was following a tough period where they were forced to spend five weeks apart after the Strictly tour this year, when Artem went to America while his UK work visa was renewed.

For the full story on how Artem – who, following a difficult childhood left Russia at 15 to follow his dance ambitions – has been welcomed with open arms into Kara's family see this week's HELLO!, issue 1088, on sale now.